Winning an NBA championship is a feat that only a few players have. Even if you’re an elite scorer averaging 30 per game, people will doubt you without an NBA championship in your name throughout your career. Sadly, there’s a long list of NBA greats that have not won a championship. This reality shows how important winning a championship in the NBA is.
Now that we’re deep within the current season, many teams are shaping up to be contenders for the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. With that said, let’s take a look at the teams who have the best chances of winning that elusive NBA title.
Chicago Bulls
We’ll start off the list with a bold prediction and something unexpected: the Chicago Bulls have a good chance of winning the title this season. Although many will consider it a long shot, the Chicago Bulls are one of the best NBA picks to win this year’s championship.
The Bull’s lineup is a dream come true. They have three all-stars in DeMar DeRozan, Zach Lavine, and Nikola Vucevic. The team is currently the 2nd best in the East with a 39-23 record.
Perennial all-star DeMar DeRozan is having a historic MVP season and is making a strong case for the Bulls this season. DeRozan surpassed NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain and became the only player in NBA history to have seven straight games with 35+ points while shooting at 50+ percent. Although the Chicago Bulls isn’t a team that stands out loud, look for this team to upset a few favorites along the way.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks rightfully earn a spot on this list because they’re the defending champions. Facing off against an equally hungry Phoenix Suns team in the finals last season, the Bucks won their second NBA title. The 2021 Bucks team also snapped one of the longest championship droughts in every major sports league.
The “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetekoumpo is one of the biggest reasons many teams in the NBA “Fear the Deer.” Gifted with freakish athleticism, Giannis always finishes strong towards the rim. Along with Giannis’ strong play, fellow all-star Kris Middleton is deadly from the arc.
With a 37-25 record and 4th place in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks will be a real problem for contending teams. Giannis and the Bucks are eager to show the world that last year’s successful championship run wasn’t a fluke.
Phoenix Suns
Let’s now head off to the West, where the Phoenix Suns sit atop the standings. Last year was unfortunate for the Suns as they were the favorites to win over Milwaukee. Despite a historic run for Chris Paul, all of his efforts that led him to his first finals appearance were erased as they blew a two-game lead over the Bucks. The Suns have since moved on and are looking to avenge their humiliating defeat last season.
Chris Paul, a.k.a. “The Point God,” elite all-star Devin Booker, big man Deandre Ayton, and the rest of the Suns have amassed a scorching 49-12 record in the Western Conference. The Phoenix Suns are currently the best team in the NBA. A rematch between the Suns and Bucks is likely if things play out the same until the end of the season.
Golden State Warriors
Although Stephen Curry is experiencing the worst shooting percentage in his career, the Golden State Warriors don’t seem to care as they’re the second-best team in the NBA. The Warriors sit behind the Suns and have a 43-18 record.
Before the all-star game, Stephen Curry made history by being the NBA’s leading player in 3-pointers made, surpassing Ray Allen. Fast forward to the all-star game, Steph broke yet another record by making the most 3’s in an all-star game at 16. And yes, he’s doing all of these feats while having the worst shooting slump in his career.
With Klay Thompson returning from injury, opposing teams are back to worrying about the Splash Brothers. Just like the Bulls, look for the Warriors to defy the odds this season, en route to their 7th NBA championship.
Philadelphia 76ers
With a 37-23 record, the Sixers are in 3rd place behind the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls. Just recently, the Sixers traded a sleepy Ben Simmons and Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets for, get ready for this; elite scorer and all-star James Harden. Although Brooklyn was supposed to be led by a three-headed monster in Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, things haven’t panned out for the Nets.
Now that the “Beard” is happy in Philly, Joel Embiid’s MVP-like efforts likely won’t go to waste. In James Harden’s first game as a sixer, he scored 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Look for the duo of Embiid and Harden to make a solid run towards the NBA title.
Conclusion
With many teams vying for that elusive NBA title, look for an exciting season. Although the five teams mentioned above have the best chances of winning the championship, never count out the underdogs. This reality is what makes NBA basketball one of the best in the world.
